Nick’s Picks

David Ferrer Vs. Kei Nishikori

Not too many fans or young players know about David Ferrer, but I assure you that the tour players, tournament directors and coaches know who he is. If it werent for Djokovic, Murray, and Nadal, he would be in contention to win a grand slam. David is a coach’s dream. His techniques are the best, return of serve is one of the best on tour. His serve isnt the fastest but both serves keep him at least neutral.

He is so darn tough to beat that he makes most players overhit. He is not huge in size but he makes up for that by using every inch and pound in his competitive body.

Kei has been at the IMG Academy since he was 13 years old. It was a difficult transition for him because he did not know english and the culture was totally different, but he came through it. He can do just about everything, his footwork ranks among the best of the best. Lots of work has been given to his serve, especially being more aggressive on his second serve. He has a great coach in Dante Bottini and manager in Olivier Van Lindonk

This will be an interesting match. It is imperative that Kei play aggressively and attack the net.

Nick’s Pick- The advantage goes to Ferrer but this match can be an upset in the making.

Novak Djokovic Vs. Stanislas Wawrinka

The more I look at Novak play, I rub my eyes to make sure that I am not dreaming. You can go back to the early days of tennis and it is hard to accept how darn good he is. If his opponent does something spectacular he accepts it because its only a rare occurrence. Wawrinka is no one to fool with and his one handed backhand ranks among the very best.

When he ahs to be in a long rally, he gets anxious and starts missing. Watch out for her kick out wide serve to the ad side and slice out wide to the deuce side. Wawrinka must go for broke with his forehand. He must risk the serve out to the ad side and attack a short defensive return.

Nick’s Pick- Novak in 3, possibly 4

Sloane Stephens Vs. Laura Robson

Sloane is 20 years old and one heck of an athlete. She has the perfect build for a tennis player. Her weapon is her forehand but beware of her two handed backhand. Both her groundies are hit with a wee bit of spin. Her serve is consistent but is improving every single day. She has also developed a slice that can buy time or change the pace of the rally.

Robson is going up the ladder and gaining a lot of respect from the veteran players. Her serve and forehand are defintely her weapons. Will her movement be a major factor in this match? The winner of this match will certainly not be an underdog for their next opponent.